Memo To Jack Cust/Rex Ryan: Talk Is Cheap

Professional sports is loaded with people who have a lot to say. They talk about what they've done, or will do, usually in glowing terms. It worked well for Joe Namath. Rafael Palmeiro? Not so much.

Two more big mouths decided to flap their gums on Tuesday in Boston's general direction: Jack Cust - stop laughing - of the Oakland A's and Rex Ryan, current HC of the NYJ.

Cust opined about steroids, and basically made a big mess of it. The big news is that he floated the Sox-Rigged-the-Mitchell-Report theory. Yes, having a "Director" of the Sox investigate steroids was a mistake that invites controversy. But, when Cust asks "Were there any Red Sox on the report?," and adds "no one there had their name brought up," it simply proves he never read the report because, if he had, he'd know which Red Sox ARE IN IT. Clearly, Cust meant players like Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz, and not Manny Alexander types. But, Bostonist is holding Cust to the Mitchell purity standard because we feel like it.

Speaking of Mr. Cust, he reportedly told the AP that he never had a positive test to put him on a list. He discredited his inclusion in the Mitchell Report. Bostonist loves the idea of clean players. But, we've been here before with A-Rod, Palmeiro and Ortiz. We'll be skeptical.

Ryan seems to like talking about Bill Belichick. His verbal stylings have involved kissing and multiple body parts. Mrs. Ryan might have a few questions. Anyway, earlier this year, Ryan said he didn't take over the Jets to "kiss Bill Belichick’s rings." New coach, trying to motivate his team. A Bob Lobel Mulligan was called for.

Yesterday, Ryan was at it again. He said "When I said that about Belichick, I’m just letting him know I’m not intimidated by him...How much more motivation are they going to get by putting a quote from me on the wall, saying I believe in my football team and I’m not going to be intimidated by a coach or anyone else?...If that’s where you’re going to draw motivation from, hell, we’ll probably kick your [butt]."

Any of those comments aren't really flagrant. Frankly, he has a point about motivation. But, Ryan, why risk it?